CVE-2012-6533 in PGP Desktop
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in pgpwded.sys in Symantec PGP Desktop 10.x and Encryption Desktop 10.3.0 before MP1 on Windows XP and Server 2003 allows local users to gain privileges via a crafted application.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-6533 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the pgpwded.sys kernel driver component of Symantec PGP Desktop version 10.x and Encryption Desktop 10.3.0 before MP1. This issue specifically affects Windows XP and Server 2003 operating systems, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on these legacy platforms. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the kernel-mode driver, which processes user-supplied data without proper bounds checking mechanisms. The affected driver is responsible for handling password-related operations within the PGP encryption framework, making it a prime target for privilege escalation attacks. According to CWE-121, this vulnerability maps directly to a classic stack-based buffer overflow condition where insufficient boundary checks allow attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw occurs when the driver receives malformed input through the vulnerable application interface, enabling malicious code execution in kernel space with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete system control through kernel-level access. Local users who can execute a crafted application gain the ability to elevate their privileges from standard user level to system administrator level, effectively bypassing all operating system security controls. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1068, which describes "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and specifically targets kernel-mode exploitation pathways. The attack vector requires local system access, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users have legitimate access to systems but should not possess administrative privileges. Once exploited, the attacker can modify system files, disable security features, create new user accounts, and access all stored data without detection. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the widespread use of these older Symantec products, particularly in enterprise environments where legacy system support continues despite end-of-life status.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-6533 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. Organizations should prioritize applying the vendor-supplied patches and updates released by Symantec to address this specific vulnerability, although support for these legacy products may be limited. System administrators should implement the principle of least privilege by restricting local user access where possible and monitoring for suspicious privilege escalation activities. The implementation of kernel-mode exploit protection mechanisms such as Data Execution Prevention and Address Space Layout Randomization can help reduce exploitation success rates, though these protections may not prevent all variants of the attack. Security monitoring should focus on detecting abnormal privilege elevation events and unusual kernel driver activity, particularly when combined with network-based detection systems. Additionally, organizations should consider migrating away from unsupported legacy encryption solutions to modern, actively maintained alternatives that provide better security guarantees and ongoing support for security patches. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security software and the risks associated with continuing to support end-of-life products that no longer receive security updates.